Vehicle Problems

[teallen]

Will not make Mitchell SD today, truck lost power can only go 45, will try to get to a ford dealer on Monday. On the instrument panel a "wrench" is flashing, read the book doesn't really tell me anything, any experts out there that might know what is going on or possible problems? Also the water separator light is flashing (I just had the truck serviced this past Tuesday and they drained that so not sure why it is flashing) Currently sitting at a Jellystone in Austin , mn. Thanks.

[Chief409]

Tom, looking at the 6.4 fuel system info I have, the water separator is part of the filter/pump mounted on the frame under the drivers seat. You could try draining that, then seeing if the problem clears up. You'll need a piece of tubing to put on the drain outlet, and something to drain the fuel into. It'll be a PINTB job. Let us know how it goes.

I have some PDF documentation I can send if you need it. PM me with your email address if you do.

Jeff

[Mike Clay]

Do you think you picked up some bad fuel?

[teallen]

Mike and Jeff, not sure what the problem can be, not being a mechanic will have to leave it to the techs at the closest Ford dealer. My email or pm are under my name. Thanks.

[Chief409]

Hope it is just the filter/water separator needing drained. Let us know how things work out.

Jeff

[Mike Clay]

Hard to say without knowing what the code is. Any auto zones close by you they will read the code.

[Olbird]

The wrench light is like a check light, my Ford had it coming on until I drained the filter can a couple of times. You may need to replace the sensor and/or clean the inside filter.

[dfredendall]

There are two fuel filters. The water/fuel seperator on the left frame rail under the driver's side door, with the drain valve as George and Jeff described. The other is up on top of the engine next to the oil filter. Are you changing both of them regularly? Sounds like a load of bad fuel. You may need to change both filters once or twice if draining does not clear it up. Both filters come as a pair from Ford. $70 +/- from Ford. Both filters use the same 27mm socket wrench to unscrew the plastic cap. It is spring loaded so do not lay under it and get splashed, Fuel tastes nasty. Wives do not like it as your cologne either. The rail filter is a tight space, with the wiring loom next to it. FYI, I change both filters every 10,000 miles. Overkill but it is cheap insurance, but a load of watery fuel is a show stopper for sure. I also carry a spare filter set in the bird just in case. So far, have not needed it on the road. I would try draining a few times before opening up the system. That is what Ford literature says to do.

[rlhedlund]

I got bad fuel out that way last summer. I think it was one of the reservation gas stations. Thought I was saving money.

[Chief409]

I went over the 11B23 mandatory flash documentation Ford came out with this spring for all the 6.4 diesels. All the symptoms described are exactly what Ford says will happen with water in the fuel now. Part of the improved engine protection measures which is the main reason for that flash. If it saves a $12K engine, PITA or not, I'm all for it.

There is a lever you open to drain the frame filter/water separator. Like I mentioned, get a piece of tubing, slip it over the nipple on the filter, and have a container to catch the fuel. You'll see water in the fuel if there is any water present in the fuel you drain out into the container. It might take a few times (shut the valve, start the truck, shut it down, drain some more) to get clear fuel. After two coffee cans worth, and still seeing water, I'd head to the nearest dealer and have them drain and dry the tank - your last fuel stop had water in it. No need to remove the cap to drain the water separator. But I'd change both filters for sure at the next LOF shop visit, even if it is earlier then scheduled maintenance says it's due.


Jeff

[teallen]

Got to the dealer today, needed a air filter and fuel filter, no serious error codes. Truck drove like a champ in 100 degree temps all day.

[Chief409]

Glad your back on the road Tom, without any big problem. With the BIG grill, heat doesn't bother Fords much!

Keep on Trucking!

Jeff

[Travelers]

Tom, glad you up and running strong.

We're camping tonight in the driveway. Big storm came thru and we're without power.

[Torben]

Glad to hear that all is well with the truck Now I hope it's something simple with the landing leg motor, like maybe just a loose wire, wouldn't that be nice See you soon

[Mike Clay]

Check the fuse!!!!